Get the route ready before the van arrives

Most failed big-item deliveries are not lost goods. They are sofas that will not turn on the stairs and vans with nowhere to stop. A little preparation avoids both.

Measure the whole route

Start at the kerb and walk to the room where the item will live. Write down the narrowest width and the lowest height at every point: gate, front door, porch, hallway, stair turns, landing and the final door.

Compare those numbers with the item's packed dimensions, which are bigger than the item itself. For sofas, the diagonal depth matters more than the width, because crews tilt them through doorways.

Door frames: measure inside the frame, with the door fully open.
Stairs: note the ceiling height at the turn, not just the stair width.
Flats: check the lift's internal depth and door width.

Measuring a doorway against the depth of a sofa

On the day

Parking

Think about where a large van can stop close to your door. If there are restrictions or a narrow lane, mention it to the retailer in advance.

A clear path

Move shoes, plants and small furniture from the route. Prop doors open and lay down an old sheet if floors are delicate.

Pets and children

Keep them in another room. Crews carrying 80 kg cannot see their feet.

Old item ready

If the old sofa or appliance is being taken away, have it emptied, disconnected and near the door.

Phone on

Crews often call ahead. A missed call can mean a missed delivery if they cannot confirm someone is home.

Check before signing

Look at the item while the crew is there. Note any visible damage on the delivery record.

Bath and kerbside deliveries

Bathroom suites and heavy building items are often delivered kerbside only, partly for insurance reasons. That means the bath may be left by the road or at the edge of your drive. If you cannot move it yourself, arrange help for the delivery day or ask the retailer whether a higher service level is available before you order.

Weather

Ask that boxed items are not left on wet ground. Cardboard soaks through quickly, and a sofa left in a puddle is a damaged sofa. If items are left outside against your wishes, take photos straight away and report it to the retailer.